KOHIMA — In just a year since he began creating videos, Tovika Zhimomi has become one of the most recognisable faces among Naga content creators, drawing laughter with his acting, relatable humour and expressive storytelling. From school skits to viral reels, his journey reflects how everyday Naga life can turn into stories that resonate deeply across social media.

Zhimomi’s rise has been swift. Having started “randomly” about a year ago, his first reel went viral — a moment he describes as the turning point in his creative journey. “When humour is mixed with relatable Naga lives, it actually connects deeply with people,” he shared.

The 20-something from Nagaland recently received the People’s Choice Award at the first Nagaland Influencers Summit held in Kohima, a recognition that, in his words, “feels surreal”.

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“A year ago, I was just scrolling reels, but now people recognise me in shops and whisper, ‘Isn’t that the lazy guy from Instagram?’ It’s humbling and it keeps me grounded because I still have to take out the trash at home,” he laughed.

Finding his style

Zhimomi grew up in what he calls a “normal Naga family that was strict when it comes to studies but full of humour and stories”. His mother still refers to him as “that boy who is always on his phone”.

Without any formal acting training, he credits his church dramas, school functions, and observation of people as his teachers. “I just observe people and then exaggerate it,” he said, describing how he developed his distinct comedic style.

Currently, he is balancing content creation with small projects and collaborations. “I’m not a full-time content creator yet, but I’m slowly getting into it,” he said, adding that his mother still believes it is “just a phase”.

While he is open to larger opportunities, his creative focus remains rooted in storytelling. “If Bollywood ever calls, I won’t hang up! But honestly, I love storytelling in my own style — short, funny, meaningful. If I do reach the big screen, I want to bring our Naga humour and culture there,” he shared.

Stories from everyday Naga life

Zhimomi’s content often draws from familiar experiences like family drama, church life, and awkward social encounters, with a humorous twist. “I mix satire, humour, and a moral in one frame and I try to represent our people honestly. Also, I am not afraid to look stupid on camera if it gets the message across,” he told Eastern Mirror.

Like many young creators, he faced initial scepticism from his parents, but that has since changed. “When they saw the impact and support, they became my biggest fans, although my mother still reminds me to apply for exams ‘just in case’,” he shared with a laugh.

Zhimomi now works with local brands and events for paid collaborations and sponsorships. “It is a growing space, and I treat it professionally. But I also make sure not to promote things I don’t believe in,” he maintained.

Despite occasional creative blocks or online negativity, he remains focused on his purpose. “I remind myself why I started — to make people smile. That keeps me going,” he said.

He also hinted at a few upcoming collaborations and concept videos that will blend Naga humour with deeper social messages — though he preferred to keep the details under wraps for now.

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his creative reach beyond short videos. “I want to build something bigger than just reels, maybe a short film or a web series from Nagaland that’s humorous but meaningful. Also to write and produce music,” he revealed.

His long-term goal, he said, is “to be a name that inspires others to use creativity with purpose.”

He also offered a message to aspiring creators: “Don’t wait to be perfect, just start. Use what you have, where you are. Be original, be patient, and don’t copy trends blindly. And remember: numbers don’t define you, impact does.”

And to his audience, he expressed gratitude: “To everyone who’s been supporting, sharing, and laughing along, I’m deeply grateful. You all made this journey possible. If my content made your day a little brighter, then I’ve already achieved my purpose.”